What to look for in a good Type 95

[A Dunne]

I'm looking to pick up a good-condition Type 95. I'm eyeing up this one and want opinions on it. I'm not looking for anything rare, just something representative. I figure I'll get more expert opinions here than on a militaria forum.

 

[A Dunne]

 

 

The serial number looks similar in style to others I've seen, the grip is in aluminium rather than brass like a lot of fakes. I gather the star stamp is the imperial inspection mark?

[John C]

Adrian:

The stamps are correct, though they look double struck to me, and the scabbard has matching serial number, which is good. It is a fair representative sample. You could find one with a brass tsuba and leather tassel, if you were looking for a more complete example (nothing wrong with the iron tsuba, just not as "pretty").

For a nice example, you could look for a copper handled version.

I would say 700-900 would be average for this example.

 

John C.

 

 

 

Edited June 21 by John C

[Scogg]

It’s a good one, and it’s real 

 

It’s a late war Suya Shoten manufacture sword probably made in 1945. 
That Star stamp is the: 東京第一陸軍造兵廠標識 = Tōkyō First Army Arsenal trademark.

 

Whats cool about this particular sword is that it’s the latest serial number Suya sword that I have on file that also has a fuller. Following Suya manufacture swords did away with the fuller shortly before production ended entirely. My earliest serial number unfullered Suya sword is 154488.

 

Some things to look for in a good Type 95 would be: Correct and matching serial numbers and original paint on the scabbard and hilt. Not missing any parts. Blade in good condition meaning no major rust, chips, or bends. Retention clip function. No or little rattle in the hilt. Any extra or unusual stamps would be a bonus along with any extra tassels or scabbard cover (assuming original).
 

Swords with brass tsuba and/or early numbers are generally more desirable than swords with steel tsuba. Exception might be later war wooden hilt swords which are popular, or very rare variations maybe. The Variation#1 copper hilt swords remain the most sought after. 
 

The sword in your photos checks many boxes for what makes a good and representative example. Looks nice and untampered with, with no major damage or rust that I can see. Nice paint. Those are the most important things with these machine made swords. 
 

Best of luck, and let us know if you acquire it.

-Sam

 

[Conway]

Just a thought, but since you are in Ireland, I would consider looking for one locally. Given the buyer’s premium and international shipping (tarrifs??), you might be in for quite a ride. Especially, if you are looking for a representative example and nothing rare. 

[The Blacksmith]

I cannot answer for Ireland of course, but here for instance, such items are very rare, so we have to look abroad and pay the extra. Most of my collection, admittedly they are not Japanese swords, has been sourced from abroad. If only I could find them locally!

[Bruce Pennington]

13 hours ago, John C said:

I would say 700-900 would be average for this example

I just saw it one sell for $1,900.

 

[The Blacksmith]

I saw a couple very similar, but a little better condition to the one featured, and they were £950 each (ca.$1250 US). They were in the UK.

It certainly pays to shop around a bit!

[A Dunne]

16 hours ago, Conway said:

Just a thought, but since you are in Ireland, I would consider looking for one locally. Given the buyer’s premium and international shipping (tarrifs??), you might be in for quite a ride. Especially, if you are looking for a representative example and nothing rare. 

Within Ireland, there are next to no Militaria/arms & Armour auctions. The UK is better, but since Brexit, there's now a customs barrier, so the charges are more or less the same as buying from the US. The big problem with swords from the UK is getting shipping; most companies won't take blades and those that do know how to charge. Dealing within the EU is cheaper, but there's sometimes a language barrier.

[A Dunne]

Here's a question: Why might this sword be missing a habaki? There's no notch where it might have been.

 

 

The picture is pretty small when I put it up here. Original listing is https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10168381/#

 

Also, the fuller (bo-hi?) seems shorter than others I've seen - although that's not many.

[Scogg]

That one, is unfortunately a fake or replica. The points you bring up are good things to keep an eye out for on forgeries 

[A Dunne]

12 hours ago, Bruce Pennington said:

I just saw it one sell for $1,900.

 

I actually bid on that sword, but I chickened out at the end because I lack the knowledge to tell when the price is too high.

[A Dunne]

Just now, Scogg said:

That one, is unfortunately a fake or replica. The points you bring up are good things to keep an eye out for forgeries 

Thanks for confirming my mistrust. Would the good condition - or even existence - of the leather also be considered a tell?

[Conway]

4 hours ago, A Dunne said:

Within Ireland, there are next to no Militaria/arms & Armour auctions.

 

Well then you can’t be faulted for having to look internationally. Have you seen the dedicated thread on Type 95s, which includes a link to a great downloadable reference on the topic? Might help you get a foundational idea of what period correct originals look like. 

 

 

1 hour ago, A Dunne said:

I actually bid on that sword, but I chickened out at the end because I lack the knowledge to tell when the price is too high.

 

In my opinion, I would steer clear of that auction house if possible. Whether intentional or not, they’ve been known to misidentify items and sell fakes along with genuine pieces in the same auction with no distinction between the two (There was a fake NCO in the auction linked above (Lot 25)). I’ve also seen previews of their items when they set up at the big US military shows and haven’t been impressed with their Japanese swords. 

[A Dunne]

32 minutes ago, Conway said:

 

Well then you can’t be faulted for having to look internationally. Have you seen the dedicated thread on Type 95s, which includes a link to a great downloadable reference on the topic? Might help you get a foundational idea of what period correct originals look like. 

 

 

 

In my opinion, I would steer clear of that auction house if possible. Whether intentional or not, they’ve been known to misidentify items and sell fakes along with genuine pieces in the same auction with no distinction between the two (There was a fake NCO in the auction linked above (Lot 25)). I’ve also seen previews of their items when they set up at the big US military shows and haven’t been impressed with their Japanese swords. 

That document is pure gold!

 

Which auction houses would you consider to be reliable? I have my favourite auction houses for militaria, American Civil War era firearms, and other areas I collect in, but not a place that's specifically popular with the Japanese sword collector.

 

That downloadable pdf

Edited June 21 by A Dunne

[Scogg]

2 hours ago, A Dunne said:

Thanks for confirming my mistrust. Would the good condition - or even existence - of the leather also be considered a tell?

Type 95 swords with leather scabbard covers are out there; but they are uncommon.
 

I’m not particularly good with the tassels/leather/belts/“extras”; that’s almost a whole field of study in itself. I have primarily focused on the swords physical characteristics. 
 

That said, any time leather or fabric looks good as new, is reason to be suspicious and raise some red flags.
 

I go to a lot of gun shows and militaria shows here in the US, and some of the older gentlemen will actually smell fabric or leather to see if it smells “rightly old”. I always thought that was funny, but maybe there’s something to it.

 

Not that thats an option here. But buyer beware. 

-Sam 

[Bruce Pennington]

50 minutes ago, Scogg said:

the older gentlemen will actually smell fabric or leather to see if it smells “rightly old”. I always thought that was funny, but maybe there’s something to it.

 

Not that thats an option here.

Come on Brian!  When do we get Scratch-'N-Sniff option for NMB? Ha!

[Conway]

1 hour ago, A Dunne said:

Which auction houses would you consider to be reliable?

 

Reliable in terms of providing accurate descriptions and selling genuine items? None come to mind. I think most auction houses have a pretty rudimentary understanding of Japanese swords, so fakes or genuine pieces that have been meddled with can easily slip through the cracks. 

[The Blacksmith]

Perhaps it is a better bet to just stick with the known dealers Adrian, at least until you have a sound knowledge of what to look for. Yes, you will pay that bit extra perhaps, but no hassle, no fuss, no extras ( which are themselves costly!, buyers premium, plus tax etc.), and shipping from auction houses can be a nightmare too, and extremely expensive! I did buy a bayonet at an auction house in the UK a couple of years back, the cost of shipping was almost the same as the item, over £100! A friend kindly collected it for me, and sent it here, cost £12.50! I almost never buy at auction now, I much prefer to go to a dealer. Also, with a known dealer you have a guarantee of authenticity and money back, unless an item is sold as a replica or is a doubtful piece, but then they will be priced accordingly anyway.

 

As for sending items, yes that too can be a nightmare, though many dealers ship all over the world with no problems. Some dealers though will not post to an address within the EEC, some wont send it out of the EEC, some wont even send it within the Uk. I sometimes have problems getting items sent here (Norway), until I mention that we are not in the EEC, that sometimes helps. I tried to buy a book on Amazon Canada the other day, they do not ship to Norway! My response from the dealer when asked why, was met with 'we don't know'. Jeeez, its a refernce  book, not a machine gun. They then said could I 'buy it from Amazon UK or Germany', yes, but at four or five times the price. I thought about asking someone on the forum if it could be sent there and then forwarded, but decided if the shop do not want the business, then thet can keep it anyway.

I used to buy quite a few bayonets from a dealer in Ireland, but he unfortunately gave up, partly due to ill health, and mainly due to problems he had posting post Brexit, it just became a nightmare for him and not worth the hassle.

[Marcin]

10 hours ago, A Dunne said:

I actually bid on that sword, but I chickened out at the end because I lack the knowledge to tell when the price is too high.

I sold NCO for one of members here with 10 more digits number to this one

Yet price was much lower considering no customs and oversea shipping.

Edited June 22 by Marcin

[Scogg]

I've not only been tracking these swords, but i've been buying and selling them myself so I can take photographs and measurements. 

Generally speaking for the "common variations", I try to buy them for $750-$1000 and I try to sell them for around $1000-$1200.  After fees, taxes, and shipping, I do not make a profit doing this. I mostly just break even; in support of my document in the downloads section. My problem is, I tend to hold onto the rarer ones, and they're beginning to pile up .

Anyway, I just thought people might like to know what I'm seeing for prices in the buying/selling side for the common variant Type 95 swords.
-Sam 

PS: This is just my personal experience in the USA in 2026 - and I am just a collector not a dealer.

By common variations I primarily mean:
Variation#3 (aluminum hilt, symmetrical ito, brass tsuba.)
Variation#4 (aluminum hilt, symmetrical ito, steel tsuba.)

[A Dunne]

1 hour ago, Scogg said:

I've not only been tracking these swords, but i've been buying and selling them myself so I can take photographs and measurements. 

Generally speaking for the "common variations", I try to buy them for $750-$1000 and I try to sell them for around $1000-$1200.  After fees, taxes, and shipping, I do not make a profit doing this. I mostly just break even; in support of my document in the downloads section. My problem is, I tend to hold onto the rarer ones, and they're beginning to pile up .

Anyway, I just thought people might like to know what I'm seeing for prices in the buying/selling side for the common variant Type 95 swords.
-Sam 

PS: This is just my personal experience in the USA in 2026.

By common variations I primarily mean:
Variation#3 (aluminum hilt, symmetrical ito, brass tsuba.)
Variation#4 (aluminum hilt, symmetrical ito, steel tsuba.)

I'd pay more than that at auction, including the hammer, the premium, shipping, and customs/VAT here in Ireland. I understand the urge to hold on to the rare ones. I'd make a terrible antiques dealer for this reason.

[A Dunne]

The sword in my first post went for $900, I wan't able to bid in the end because the auctioneer never replied to say whether they would ship to Ireland or not.

[John C]

3 hours ago, A Dunne said:

$900,

So it ended at the top end of my estimate. BUT, you then tack on shipping, auction fees, taxes, and you are probably closer to 1200. I think you can do at least that well if not better by waiting. You may pay 900, however it will be for a better rig. Also note that it is best to find one with an original tassel because they are hard to get. Those are 2-3 hundred dollars by themselves. With tassel, you could be in the 1100-1200 range.

 

John C.

[A Dunne]

1 minute ago, John C said:

So it ended at the top end of my estimate. BUT, you then tack on shipping, auction fees, taxes, and you are probably closer to 1200. I think you can do at least that well if not better by waiting. You may pay 900, however it will be for a better rig. Also note that it is best to find one with an original tassel because they are hard to get. Those are 2-3 hundred dollars by themselves. With tassel, you could be in the 1100-1200 range.

 

John C.

I'm actually more miffed that their shipping dept. never returned my message. I collect enough stuff that there's always something looking to consume my cash, but I'll put an auctioneer on the naughty list for ignoring me.

[Bruce Pennington]

You guys must frequent a different circle of sword sellers than I do.  I just watched this one go for $1,900

 

And this one runs in August 22nd, and is already up to $1,100

[Scogg]

Indeed, the price range for these is pretty wide, and I don’t record whatever the fees or shipping may be.
 

My price ranges earlier are what I believe to be fair prices, even at my reselling rate. I often see and catalog these go for over 1000. I’ve probably lost half a dozen auctions staying below that threshold. 
 

1900 is pretty high though. I wonder if someone thought that string cord was an orange officers tassel? 

 

Kind of wild, for machined swords. People really like them though, and they make a great example of a wartime Japanese sword for the casual militaria collector. Not quite as intimidating to keep/store/maintain as a Nihonto may be; and I suspect that’s part of the allure.  
 

Just my views,

-Sam 

[Marcin]

1 hour ago, Scogg said:

Indeed, the price range for these is pretty wide, and I don’t record whatever the fees or shipping may be.
 

My price ranges earlier are what I believe to be fair prices, even at my reselling rate. I often see and catalog these go for over 1000. I’ve probably lost half a dozen auctions staying below that threshold. 
 

1900 is pretty high though. I wonder if someone thought that string cord was an orange officers tassel? 

 

Kind of wild, for machined swords. People really like them though, and they make a great example of a wartime Japanese sword for the casual militaria collector. Not quite as intimidating to keep/store/maintain as a Nihonto may be; and I suspect that’s part of the allure.  
 

Just my views,

-Sam 

Do You remember copper handle with black saya I dropped? One at the end of Bruce’s post looks like have similar one.

[Conway]

I recorded a nice condition early-ish Suya (SN#29474)sold by smallsword on eBay for $1995 in April. But the one Bruce posted above currently at $1100 seems excessive given the black paint on the tsuka and saya. 
 

Sometimes I wonder what percentage of these NCOs end up in China. Collectors there have an affinity for swords used during the Japan’s war with China (Type 32, Type 95, Mantetsu). Given supply is probably low in China, I’m sure people selling to clients in China can charge a significant mark up. I’ve met a few people from China at shows in the U.S. who were buying to send the swords back to China. For example, maybe $1900 for a nice aluminum handle isn’t too much  if they can sell for $3,000.

[Scogg]

Conway, I believe you're onto something.

 

To me, it seems these swords sell for quite different prices depending on where you are in the world. I often see them fetch more over in Europe than in the US, presumably because there are fewer of them there, and maybe it's more difficult to move them across borders. For something worth under $2,000, the hassle probably isn't worth it for many sellers, so they tend to price them a bit higher.

 

People often think these swords are “common”. Approximately fewer than 200,000 were made. Some might think “but they go into the 300k range”; but there are large blocks missing in the known serial number ranges, and when we account for that, the total manufactured is likely closer to 200k. (PS. I will make a post in my pinned monograph thread above generalized serial number ranges.)

 

How many of those originally manufactured survived today? Nobody knows, but definitely less than 200k. This might sound like a lot, but considering other militaria; where often multimillion units were manufactured, it doesn’t feel like too many to me.

Supply and demand and such. 

Best,

-Sam